But the Skelmersdale public has no idea what that recommendation is – whether to refuse the tip expansion plan or to give it the green light.

Claire Robinson of Arrow–No Whitemoss Landfill said, “We can’t rely on the planning inspectors to make our case for us. All concerned residents, whether they’ve objected before or not, need to write politely to Mr Pickles to make sure he understands the strength of feeling against the tip plan.

“Even if you have objected before, please object again. We can’t rely on Planning Inspectors to make our case to Mr Pickles.

“3,000 letters are needed. He needs to know the strength of local feeling against the tip.”

Rosie Cooper MP has joined with campaign group Arrow–No Whitemoss Landfill in asking residents to write to the Communities Secretary.

The West Lancashire MP said: “Residents have been promised eight times that the landfill site would close but these promises were never kept. Enough is enough.

“Throughout this process residents have fought a hard campaign every step of the way. The next stage in the fight to see Whitemoss close is to write to Eric Pickles, who makes the final decision.

“I urge all residents to once again make their voices heard by sending a letter or an email to him. Time is running out. Government soon shuts down due to the forthcoming general election. There is no time to wait – write today.”